You Cannot Be Turned Down. Period.
No health questions. No medical exam. No decline letters. Guaranteed acceptance whole life coverage for ages 45 to 85 - because everyone deserves to leave their family protected.
Written by Brian Greenberg, CEO / Founder & Licensed Insurance Agent|MDRT member since 2013 · Licensed in all 50 states|Last reviewed: June 2026Quick answer: Guaranteed issue life insurance accepts every applicant within the eligible age range, usually 45 to 85, with no health questions and no medical exam. Coverage is typically $5,000 to $25,000 of permanent whole life with a 2-year graded death benefit.
Why Guaranteed Issue Exists
Serious health conditions shouldn't mean your family gets nothing. Guaranteed issue coverage says yes when every other policy says no. It's the most accessible form of no-exam life insurance. The National Funeral Directors Association publishes current median funeral costs - useful when sizing coverage - and the NAIC's life insurance overview covers your consumer protections.
Acceptance Is Guaranteed
If you're within the eligible age range (typically 45 to 85), you cannot be turned down. No health questions, no medical exam, no records pulled.
Premiums Never Increase
Your rate is locked in on day one and never goes up - and your coverage can never be cancelled as long as premiums are paid.
Builds Cash Value
Guaranteed issue policies are small whole life policies, so a portion of every premium builds cash value you can borrow against later.
Peace of Mind for Family
Typically $5,000 to $25,000 of coverage - enough to cover funeral costs, final medical bills, and small debts so nothing lands on your kids.
How the 2-Year Graded Period Works
Because there's no underwriting, carriers apply a graded death benefit for the first 2 years. Pass away from natural causes during that window and your beneficiaries receive every premium you paid back - plus interest, typically 10%. Accidental death is covered in full from day one.
After the graded period, the full face amount is payable for any cause of death, for life. We explain this clearly up front - no surprises for your family later.
Guaranteed Issue Is Right for You If...
- You've been declined for other life insurance due to health
- You have a serious condition (cancer, heart failure, COPD, kidney disease, etc.)
- You're between ages 45 and 85 and want something simple and certain
- You want funeral and final expenses covered without health questions
- You value guaranteed acceptance over the largest possible payout
If you can answer a few health questions, a simplified-issue final expense policy is usually cheaper - we always check both for you.
Guaranteed Issue FAQ
The answer is yes. Get your rate now.
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